While exploring gravel roads east of Lindsay, there were three bird species which I encountered frequently but had no luck in photographing. These three draw attention to themselves with frequent and distinctive singing but are almost always out of sight or in sight for an instant only.

SWAMP SPARROW

Unlike Song Sparrows, they sing from unexposed perches close to the ground in wet areas. The best photo I ever got of one was during migration.

WILSON’S SNIPE

These interesting bird are often heard in the sky and occasionally flushed in wet areas.

EASTERN MEADOWLARK

The familiar whistling call announces their presence but they are rarely visible. Starlings do a perfect imitation of their call.

Here are the birds I was able to photograph:

Some photos of the area:

Some Botany:

Dunsford, Ontario

Dunsford is named after James Wicks Dunford, member of the legislative assembly of Canada 1862 – 1866.

NATURE POETRY

This is the weather the cuckoo likes,
And so do I;
When showers betumble the chestnut spikes,
And nestlings fly.                                                     – Thomas Hardy (1840–1928)

Miles Hearn